Definition of "same source"

[Shade]

Can anyone direct me to the official definition of "same source"? Pants just enlightened me to the fact that ray of enfeeblements don't stack with themselves (penalties from the same soure do not stack). In doing so, my campaign feels much healthier. However, I'd like to find the definition of "same source" to put a definitive end to this debacle.

Thanks!

 

[shilsen]

Check pg.171-172 in the PHB under "Combining Magical Effects". That should answer most of your questions. 'Same source' generally means same spell in this case.

Regarding the specific case you're referring to above, a creature could be affected by two Ray of Enfeeblement spells, but they wouldn't stack. They would overlap. If one RoE provided a -5 penalty and the other a -8 penalty, the -8 would apply. If the spell providing a -8 ended or was dispelled before the one providing a -5, then the -5 would apply.

 

[werk]

I think he noticed that stat penalties do not stack if they are from the same source...which could be confusing considering that poison stat damage would 'stack' even if you were stung twice by the same scorpion.

Penalties and bonuses are subject to this limitation, damage always 'stacks', as would drains.

 

[dhaga]

Penalties and bonuses are subject to this limitation, damage always 'stacks', as would drains.

RoE is more of an "effect" than a drain, though, IIRC. When the spell duration ends, the target would get its strength back. Not the case with things like a shadow's touch, which actually is a drain (temp Str damage), and poisons; additional hits mean additional loss from the target ability.

So I think shilsen is correct in this; the effect of multiple RoEs would overlap, not stack.

 

[shilsen]

So I think shilsen is correct in this; the effect of multiple RoEs would overlap, not stack.

Can't take too much credit, however. The PHB specifically uses RoE as the example when explaining overlapping

 

[Shade]

Can't take too much credit, however. The PHB specifically uses RoE as the example when explaining overlapping

Which makes it all the more embarassing for my failure to notice it.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[werk]

RoE is more of an "effect" than a drain, though, IIRC. ...So I think shilsen is correct in this; the effect of multiple RoEs would overlap, not stack.

Yes, I was agreeing with Shilsen, as usual, just trying to explain why .

RoE's effect is a penalty, "The subject takes a penalty to Strength..." and so does not stack. As opposed to a stirge, "A stirge drains blood, dealing 1d4 points of Constitution damage...," or shadow "The touch of a shadow deals 1d6 points of Strength damage..."